Students in California who are interested in joining Marine Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) have several school options to choose from, primarily in the Los Angeles and San Diego areas. These schools include private and public school options and vary considerably in tuition rates. Below, compare and contrast a handful of the schools in California that offer NROTC.
School Comparison
| School Name | Institution Type | Location | Tuition (In-state, 2016-2017)* | Tuition Assistance/ Military Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of California - Los Angeles | 4-year, public | Los Angeles, CA | $12,920 | NROTC scholarships |
| University of California - Berkeley | 4-year, public | Berkeley, CA | $13,509 | NROTC scholarships |
| San Diego State University | 4-year, public | San Diego, CA | $7,084 | Credit for military training, NROTC scholarships |
| University of San Diego | 4-year, private not-for-profit | San Diego, CA | $46,140 | NROTC scholarships |
| University of Southern California | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Los Angeles, CA | $52,283 | Credit for military training, NROTC scholarships |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Overview of California Colleges with Marine NROTC Programs
There are five universities in California that offer unique Marine NROTC programs. Three of these institutions serve as NROTC host sites for a combined total of additional six affiliated schools. Learn more about the five host schools and their programs.
University of California - Los Angeles
The University of California - Los Angeles' (UCLA) Social Sciences Division houses the Department of Naval Science that offers the Marine Option NROTC. The NROTC program requires midshipmen to complete naval science courses each semester, weekly drill and physical training sessions and summer training experiences. Students are eligible to apply for 2-, 3- and 4-year national NROTC scholarships to help pay for tuition, fees, books and receive a monthly stipend. Midshipmen have the opportunity to participate in various NROTC events, such as Mess Night, Drill Competition and Birthday Ball. The battalion also has its own newspaper called The Porthole.
University of California - Berkeley
The University of California - Berkeley has one of the oldest NROTC units in the country and serves not only the students on campus, but also students from Stanford University, California Maritime Academy and the University of California - Davis through cross-town agreements. Midshipmen participate in a New Student Orientation and then fulfill the standard drill and physical training sessions and take naval science courses with topics in leadership, warfare and naval science. Additional drill exercises include the Leadership Reaction Course, where midshipmen must complete an order, and the Ethical Decision Games, which develop midshipmen's critical thinking and communication skills. Marine Option midshipmen also participate in a weekly Marine Option lab to prepare for Marine Corps Officer Candidate School.
San Diego State University
San Diego State University offers NROTC to its students and the students of California State University - San Marcos and the University of California at San Diego through cross-town agreements. Midshipmen take naval science courses in maritime affairs, leadership and ethics and naval weapons, along with their weekly drills and physical training. Students can apply for national NROTC scholarships as high school students or work toward scholarships through the NROTC's College Program as college students. San Diego State University is another public institution that is about the same size as UCLA and the University of California - Berkeley.
University of San Diego
In contrast to the prior three schools, the University of San Diego is a small, private institution. The school offers NROTC to its students as well as the students of Point Loma Nazarene University. Midshipmen complete the standard NROTC requirements, but have the additional benefit of being in close proximity to Navy and Marine Corps facilities. Students can apply for the very competitive national NROTC scholarships, but still must make their own arrangements for room and board. Students may also choose to participate in one of NROTC's clubs, including Special Warfare Club (SPECWAR), Aviation, Semper Fi, Submarine and Surface Warfare Club (SWO).
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California's Sol Price School of Public Policy offers participation in NROTC. Compared to the other schools we have discussed, the University of Southern California is a mid-sized, private institution. Midshipmen in the program complete the naval science courses and required training sessions and are eligible for the national NROTC scholarships. Students in the program are also expected to participate in various social functions and must complete and pass a physical fitness test each semester.
